Behind the Scenes at Fischer Germany – A Journey Through Craftsmanship and Horology
Visiting Fischer and the Historic Watchmaking Town of Glashütte
In May 2026, Nicola and I travelled to Germany to visit the Fischer factory in Drebach, a company we have proudly represented throughout New Zealand and Australia since 2009.
For us, this wasn't simply a factory visit. , visiting the heart of German precision manufacturing and the historic watchmaking town of Glashütte was a truly memorable experience. It was an opportunity to strengthen long-standing friendships, learn more about the products we supply, and immerse ourselves in over a century of German craftsmanship.
A Warm Welcome in Germany
Our journey began in Dresden, where we were warmly welcomed by Fischer CEO Christoph , who kindly met us at the airport and drove us to our accommodation.
Later that afternoon we caught up with Peter, and over dinner we discussed the future of the business, new product developments and the long relationship that has grown between our companies over the past 17 years.
The hospitality shown by Christoph, Peter and the entire Fischer team made us feel like part of the family from the moment we arrived.
A Day in Glashütte – Germany's Watchmaking Capital
One of the highlights of our trip was spending a day with Peter visiting the historic town of Glashütte, internationally recognised as the birthplace of German watchmaking.
Together we explored the German Watch Museum Glashütte, where we spent several hours learning about more than 180 years of watchmaking history. The museum beautifully documents how generations of skilled craftsmen transformed a small mining town into one of the world's great centres of precision horology.
Being in the horological industry myself, I found the exhibits fascinating. The development of traditional skills, specialised tooling, family-owned businesses and the determination to maintain quality despite changing times closely mirrored the history of Fischer. Both industries have relied on precision engineering, craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality that has been passed from one generation to the next.
After visiting the museum, we wandered through Glashütte, admiring the workshops and boutiques of famous German watch manufacturers. Seeing companies that continue to design and manufacture their own movements and watches was incredibly inspiring and reinforced why German engineering enjoys such an outstanding reputation around the world.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and one that Nicola and I will remember for many years.
- German Watch Museum
- Historic watchmaking displays
- Watchmaker's bench
- Streets of Glashütte
- A. Lange & Söhne Boutique
- NOMOS Glashütte
- Moritz Grossmann
- Union Glashütte
- Glashütte Original
Exploring Saxony
Before arriving at the factory, we spent several days exploring the beautiful Saxony region surrounding Dresden and Drebach.
Rich in history, architecture and traditional manufacturing, the area provides the perfect backdrop for companies such as Fischer that continue to manufacture their products locally using generations of accumulated knowledge and experience.
Visiting the Fischer Factory
Walking into the Fischer factory was a special moment.
Although we work with Fischer products every day, seeing where they are designed, assembled, calibrated and tested gave us an even greater appreciation for the care that goes into every instrument.
The factory combines modern manufacturing techniques with traditional hand assembly, producing instruments that are recognised throughout the world for their quality and accuracy.
Meeting the People Behind the Products
One of the most rewarding parts of our visit was meeting many of the people responsible for manufacturing the instruments we proudly supply throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Every member of the team demonstrated genuine pride in their work. It was inspiring to watch skilled technicians assembling barometers, tide clocks, hygrometers, thermometers and complete weather stations with remarkable attention to detail.
Seeing the people behind the products reinforces the confidence we have in recommending Fischer instruments to our customers.
Privacy Note: Out of respect for employee privacy, photographs included in this article focus on the factory, products and management team.
Traditional Craftsmanship Still Thrives
During our factory tour we visited numerous production departments, gaining a detailed understanding of how each instrument is manufactured.
We watched bezels being produced, instrument dials prepared and printed, hygrometers carefully calibrated for humidity accuracy, and barometers assembled and tested before shipment.
One particularly interesting department was the woodworking workshop. Hanging on the walls were dozens of wooden templates and patterns that have been used throughout the company's history to manufacture many of Fischer's classic instrument cases.
These templates provide a fascinating record of how designs have evolved over decades while preserving the timeless appearance that Fischer has become known for.
The fact that these historic patterns are still carefully preserved demonstrates the company's respect for its heritage and commitment to traditional craftsmanship.
A Company Built on History
The entrance foyer features an impressive historical display documenting Fischer's long journey from its beginnings to the internationally respected manufacturer it is today.
Historic photographs, family milestones and factory developments tell the story of a business that has continually adapted while remaining true to its core values of quality, precision and German manufacturing.
After spending time exploring this history, it became even clearer why Fischer products have earned such a strong reputation around the world.
Looking Ahead
During our visit we also discussed future opportunities, new product developments and the continued expansion of the Barigo range now manufactured under Fischerownership.
It was encouraging to see the investment being made in preserving traditional instrument making while continuing to innovate for future generations.
We returned home with renewed confidence in the brands we represent and an even greater appreciation for the dedicated people whose skills make these remarkable instruments possible.
Thank You
Nicola and I would like to sincerely thank Christoph , Peter and everyone at Fischer for their generous hospitality, friendship and willingness to share their knowledge.
Visits like these remind us that behind every beautifully crafted instrument is a team of passionate people committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with Fischer for many years to come.
Discover German Craftsmanship
At Time & Trends, we are proud to offer genuine German-made Fischer and Barigo instruments, including precision barometers, weather stations, tide clocks, hygrometers and thermometers.
Our visit to Germany reinforced exactly why these instruments continue to be recognised as some of the finest available today.
Whether you're passionate about traditional weather instruments, precision engineering or fine watchmaking, we invite you to explore our collection and experience the quality that has made Fischer and Barigo respected names around the world.
Looking for German-Made Instruments for Your Business?
Whether you require a single instrument or a large commercial order, Time & Trends can help.
As the authorised distributor of Fischer and Barigothroughout New Zealand and Australia, we can supply:
- Individual retail purchases
- Wholesale and trade orders
- Corporate gifts and promotional products
- Custom branding with your company name or logo on selected instrument dials (minimum quantities apply)
- Marine and commercial projects
- Hotel, hospitality and architectural installations
- Direct factory shipments to customers worldwide where appropriate
With over 25 years of experience and a close working relationship with the Fischer factory since 2009, we can help you select the right products for your business, organisation or special project.
If you're interested in customised instruments, corporate gifting, or would like to discuss wholesale opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
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